Justin Rutter still missing after 15 years; police releasing an age progression sketch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, October 9, 2024  11:30 am

(Ottawa) — Fifteen years ago today, on October 9^th 2009, then 14-year-old Justin Rutter was reported missing by his mother after she had awakened to find that he had not returned home the night before. Justin had left the family residence in Ottawa in the late afternoon of October 8^th, 2009 to spend time with a friend. That was the last time his family saw him.  Justin would now be 29 years old.

There have been over 600 updates to the file, which include multiple interviews, public tips, actions and calls to police throughout this 15 year-long investigation. There have been possible sightings reported to police, both in the Ottawa and the Vancouver area, yet Justin has still not been found.

Missing Persons investigators are concerned that foul play may have been involved in Justin’s disappearance and are appealing to the public to please come forward with any information that could be helpful in locating him.

We would like to thank O.P.P. Detective Way for his assistance and are releasing his age progression sketch of what Justin might look like now - as a 29-year-old man - in the hope that someone will contact police.

“Somebody has the information we need to bring closure to Justin’s family. They have been living with broken hearts for the past 15 years,” said Acting Inspector Rick Carey, with the Investigations Directorate. “If you have information that can help the family, we want to hear from you.”

Anyone with information, no matter how small the details may seem, is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Missing Persons Unit at 613 236-1222, ext. 2355.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca. 

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